Updated information on Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) and vaccines

1. ​​Secretary for Health authorises Comirnaty bivalent vaccine for emergency use in Hong Kong

​The Government announced that the Secretary for Health has authorised the Comirnaty Original/Omicron BA.4-5 bivalent vaccine (i.e. Comirnaty Original/Omicron BA.4-5 (15/15 micrograms)/dose Dispersion for Injection COVID-19 mRNA Vaccine (nucleoside modified)) by Fosun Pharma/BioNTech for emergency use in Hong Kong in accordance with the Prevention and Control of Disease (Use of Vaccines) Regulation (Cap. 599K).
According to the information provided by the drug manufacturer, the first batch of the Comirnaty Original/Omicron BA.4-5 bivalent vaccine to be supplied to Hong Kong is expected to arrive Hong Kong from Germany at the end of this month. After receiving shipment of the relevant vaccine and completing the necessary quality assurance procedures, the Government will provide the relevant vaccines to the public as soon as possible. Details will be announced later.
For details, refer to: https://www.info.gov.hk/gia/general/202211/18/P2022111800312.htm

2. Government adjusts nucleic acid testing arrangements for inbound persons

The Government announced that the nucleic acid testing arrangements for persons arriving at Hong Kong from overseas places or Taiwan are adjusted starting on November 21. Relevant persons are only required to undergo nucleic acid tests on the day of arrival at Hong Kong (i.e. "test-and-go" at the airport) and on Day 2 after arrival at Hong Kong, as well as daily rapid antigen tests (RATs) after arrival until Day 7 after arrival at Hong Kong. The compulsory nucleic acid testing requirement on Day 4 and Day 6 after arrival at Hong Kong are lifted.
For details, refer to: https://www.info.gov.hk/gia/general/202211/17/P2022111700682.htm

3. Government implements specific arrangements for inbound tour groups

The Government announced that the specific arrangements for inbound tour groups has been implemented on November 18 with a view to assisting the inbound tour groups received by travel agents and accompanied by licensed tourist guides to resume tourist activities in strict compliance with the anti-epidemic measures.
For details, refer to: https://www.info.gov.hk/gia/general/202211/18/P2022111800430.htm

4. Government reminds public and scheduled premises operators to take note of implementation details of social distancing measures

The Government reminded members of the public and scheduled premises operators to take note of the implementation details of the adjusted social distancing measures in the new cycle that has come into effect on November 17. In particular, to facilitate differentiation by members of the public and avoid public's confusion during actual operation, all public skating rinks and cinemas must continue to conduct "active checking" on Vaccine Pass regardless of whether users or patrons are required to wear masks during exercise or when consuming food or drink. In other words, persons-in-charge of public skating rinks and cinemas must continue to conduct "active checking" on patrons or users' Vaccine Pass in accordance with the prevailing.
For details, refer to: https://www.info.gov.hk/gia/general/202211/16/P2022111600807.htm

5. Government announces transitional arrangements for holders of Medical Exemption Certificates during period before vaccination requirements under Vaccine Pass are met

The Government announced that transitional arrangements will be introduced on November 22 to allow persons who currently hold or have previously held a COVID-19 Vaccination Medical Exemption Certificate (Medical Exemption Certificate) to be issued a Vaccine Pass (Transitional) (Transitional Vaccine Pass), such that they can enter Vaccine Pass applicable premises during the period when they have started the vaccination course but not yet met the vaccination requirement under the Vaccine Pass.
For details, refer to: https://www.info.gov.hk/gia/general/202211/17/P2022111700446.htm

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